Too often, the architecture that defines our landscape is razed to the ground and relegated to memory-condemned to be forgotten. In the rediscovery of these often hidden, sealed up or otherwise off-limits locations, I document our adventures through the photography presented here so that they may be remembered before it's too late.

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

I-70 Speedway

I-70 Speedway was a legendary paved oval race track which remained open consistently through the glory days of racing, spanning the decades from 1969 until its demise in 2008. I-70 hosted various types of races from Stock Car racing to NASCAR truck and Kart racing as well as monster truck events. At one point the main oval was changed to dirt then back to paved. In 2006 a permanent 3/8 mile dirt track was added at the back of the property and often races were held on both tracks on the same night. Known for its steep 28 degree banks, the venerable 5/8 mile racetrack was loved by both racing enthusiasts and the drivers who raced there. Some notable I-70 alumni include racing legends Rusty Wallace and Clint Bowyer among others. It was regarded as a tough white-knuckle racetrack which often sent drivers careening over the walls in a mangled wreck of metal and fire. It was as unforgiving as it was glorious.

Ownership of the racetrack shuffled around several times before finally ending up in the hands of Brad McDonald. And just as soon, the track fell on hard times. For starters, the new owner (allegedly) fired much of the existing staff and cut costs wherever possible. By all accounts, they (allegedly) ran the place into the ground and weren't particularly interested in racing so much as making money from it. I-70 closed unceremoniously at the end of the 2008 season, apparently without much warning. A whiteboard in the box seats still reads ""See you next year!" Research online indicates that several interested parties have approached the current owners since it closed, with the intention of purchasing the track. Even racing legend Carl Edwards evidently wanted to buy it just a few years ago. But there are now trees growing through the pavement all the way around the track, which means the whole thing would need to be redone from the ground up. There are no "For Sale" signs anywhere on the property, nor any apparent effort whatsoever to maintain or protect it. It seems that the owner's greed and stubbornness will see to it that this track never hosts another race. And as the checkered flag slowly fades from the starting line, any hope of a resurrection fades along with it.

Luckily there are plenty of videos of the action here to give a taste of what it was like in its glory days. This video in particular is worth a watch just for the carnage alone.

About Me

Disclaimer

This blog is dedicated to the pursuit of adventure and features urban exploration in Saint Louis, Missouri and beyond.

1. With the exception of historical photos, all of the photographs here are copyrighted and not to be used for any purpose without my consent. The historical imagery is courtesy of the Historical Society or as otherwise noted.

2. "Don't try this at home." I absolutely will not be held responsible for anyone else's stupidity. I do not recommend anyone try visiting any of these locations. Sometimes I am granted access to the things you see here and attempting to follow in my footsteps may get you arrested, hurt or killed.

3. I do not condone or tolerate: vandalism, theft, littering or any other disrespectful activity in any of these locations. I have the utmost respect for the history of these locations and for the history of my city, Saint Louis. "Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints."

4. Do not ask me for (or post) specific location information. If identifying information is not provided in the post, there's usually a good reason for that. Any information will be provided either at the time of posting, or updated years later, at my discretion.